Kotalik not planning on playing in Europe

Ales Kotalik said talk of him playing in Europe next season to give the Calgary Flames salary-cap relief is unfounded.
The Czech winger, who as acquired in the Olli Jokinen deal, has two years remaining on his contract for $3-million per season.
Although the 31-year-old had three goals in 26 games with the Flames, he believes he will return to the form that three times had him hit the 20-goal mark in the NHL.
“I’m looking forward to next year and being with this group right from the start. I’m looking to do big things in here,” Kotalik said, adding he is stunned to hear the Europe suggestion.
“I’m not sure who is bringing those things up. The bottom line is I have a contract for the next two seasons. I don’t know what is going to happen and it’s not up to me.
“I know anything can happen. Whoever tells you something, it can be different the next day. I will take the approach this summer as I always do. I will come back in great shape.
“Hopefully I will come back to those scoring years.”
Kotalik wasn’t asked to join the Czech team for the world championships and he will head back to New York to finish some loose ends with his place there.
— Ian Busby